Floor tile design for small bathroom
12 Stunning Tile Ideas for Small Bathrooms
By
Ashley Knierim
Ashley Knierim
Ashley Knierim is a home decor expert and product reviewer of home products for The Spruce. Her design education began at a young age. She has over 10 years of writing and editing experience, formerly holding editorial positions at Time and AOL.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 11/29/22
The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto
When the time comes to renovate your small bathroom, there are many things to consider: Should you stick with bright colors? Is it time to ditch that bulky tub? Can large tiles work in a small space? Designing a small bathroom means you'll have to be clever and purposeful with every decision, and your bathroom's tile is one of the first things you'll notice when you step into the room.
Here are some ideas for tiles for small bathrooms.
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01 of 12
Create a Diagonal Tile Pattern for Visual Interest
The Glitter GuideNot only does this modern bathroom from The Glitter Guide feature have a tall mirror that helps to extend the space, but the subtle, glossy subway tile is laid in a herringbone pattern, drawing your eye to the longest part of the room.
It also provides an element of refreshing surprise, since a diagonal pattern with subway tile is unexpected.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different tilework patterns, just make sure to plan ahead. When it comes to small spaces, there's little room for error.
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02 of 12
Use White and Black for Drama
Studio McGeeThe black hexagon tiles in this grayscale bathroom from Studio McGee are not for the faint of heart, but they are the perfect anchor for a classy and sophisticated space with white subway tile covering the lower walls. We love any excuse to use moody floral wallpaper, especially in small spaces. Floor-to-ceiling tile work can sometimes make a small space feel claustrophobic, so consider tiling only partway up the wall, as seen here.
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03 of 12
Create Contrast With Chevron Stripes
Donna Dotan Photography / HouzzSimilar to a diagonal pattern, chevron stripe tile work visually elongates the space, adding a sense of depth.
This bathroom photographed by Donna Dotan Photography looks much larger than it is, partially due to the chevron stripe floor tiles and the stark white color palette, which doesn't contribute any visual clutter. The glass shower door further helps to create a more fully open and airy space. -
04 of 12
Brighten a Dark Room With Large, Light-Colored Tiles
Rooms for Rent BlogThe large beige floor tiles laid in a plain stack-bond pattern, as shown in this elegant bathroom from Rooms for Rent Blog, keep things simple and act as a subtle base for the black wainscoting. The light-colored tiles help reflect more light and widen the space in a room dominated by dark hues.
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05 of 12
Add Height With Floor-to-Ceiling Mosaic Tiles
Style CuratorThough we've said that larger tiles can create the illusion of more space, that doesn't mean you have to forgo using smaller mosaic tiles. This enviable powder room from Style Curator uses small hexagon tile work to draw the eye upward toward the ceiling and open up the space.
Plus, the floating vanity takes up less square footage than a conventional one while cutting down on the clutter factor. -
06 of 12
Add Classic Appeal With a Stretch-Bond Pattern
@beckiowens / Instagram
Despite its small size, this sleek bathroom spotted on Becki Owens's Instagram is big on style. There are many different tiles used in this room, which add a lot of visual interest and distract from the smallness of the space. The stretch-bond pattern used on the walls is a great choice—it avoids the claustrophobic feel that a grid pattern can sometimes create, and also visually extends the wall space.
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07 of 12
Reflect Light With Glossy Wall Tiles
At Home in LoveThough glossy tiles are a no-no for the bathroom floor, using them on walls can reflect even more light and make a small bathroom feel spacious. The pale green tiles used in this simple bathroom from At Home in Love are just glossy enough to create the feel of a larger bathroom without looking dated.
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08 of 12
Extend Floor Tiles Into the Shower
Deuce Cities HenhouseRather than changing up the floor tiles in the shower stall, the designer of this chic bathroom from Deuce Cities Henhouse extends the floor tiles through the entire room. This creates a seamless, uniform design that expands the visual feeling of the space.
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09 of 12
Make a Statement With Bold Graphic Tiles
Suzy HoodlessGraphic tiles can make a bold statement—and the Escher-like pattern in this jazzy bathroom from Suzy Hoodless is definitely bold. But it works because it's used with restraint, being used only on the floor and partway up the sink wall. Limited use is a good guideline to follow when using graphic tiles—if you take them all the way to the ceiling, they'll quickly become overwhelming and disorienting. The visual effect of extending the floor tile partway up the wall tends to elongate the space.
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10 of 12
Contrast With Black Floor Tiles
Reena Sotropa
Just as a room with highly patterned wall calls for a light-colored floor, white walls may call for a dark floor.
This cozy little bathroom from Reena Sotropa may be small, but it doesn't feel cramped. The small black mosaic tiles would feel overwhelming if used throughout the walls, but by keeping them confined to just the floor, the rest of the room feels airy and light. -
11 of 12
Consider Large Tiles
Cathie Hong
Conventional wisdom says that small spaces call for small tiles—but think again. Large tiles can actually trick the brain into thinking the space is bigger than it is. This cozy bathroom from Cathie Hong does just that, where the patterned floor tile add visual interest, and the large subway tile on the walls form a uniform setting for rest of the bathroom's decor.
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12 of 12
Create Openness With White Tiles
Gray Space Interior Design
White surfaces make a space feel more open, and nowhere is this more true than in bathrooms with wall and floor tile. In this bathroom from Gray Space Interior Design, white subway tiles installed in a classic stretch-bond pattern combine with dark gray floor tiles to create a surprisingly spacious feeling.
20 Bathroom Floor Tile Ideas for Small Spaces
AMY BARTLAM
For such a small space, the bathroom can command a lot of attention. Most of that focus has to do with the necessity of this room, of course, but we'd also argue that bathrooms present a design challenge unlike any other area of the home.
To outfit your perfect bathroom style, you'll want to find the harmony between function and design. Next, focus on the fun part: Upgrading your tile and décor. Bathroom flooring can take on a range of shapes, from standard square tiles to shapes like hexagons and circles; and depending on the color palette and size, your floor tiles can make a big impact on style. Your choice of flooring can create a cohesive look that unites the room's four walls together.
Get inspired with these bathroom floor tiles that can upgrade your design and pack plenty of personality into a small space.
01 of 20
AMY BARTLAM
While there are plenty of extravagant options for flooring in your bathroom, sometimes the classic style looks best—like this white hexagon tile.
With an elegant-but-modern look, it's styled alongside a warm wood vanity and plenty of bright whites. Matched with subway tile in the shower and shiplap walls, this flooring adds texture to an all-white bathroom for a clean finish.
02 of 20
HOUSE SPRUCING
Marbled bathrooms tend to be associated with classy, elegant spaces, but this design is here to prove that marble can be as inviting as it is timeless. This homey bathroom blends its marble-tiled floors with a soft blue vanity, lush plants, and wood shelving for a warmer vibe. Pair your cabinetry with woven accents and polished hardware for a bathroom with plenty of depth that still feels sleek.
03 of 20
JULIAN PORCINO
There aren't enough good things to say about this bathroom, but what really makes it stand out is its tile work. Large diamond-patterned tiles reflect a Southwestern vibe, paired with simple décor and greenery. Continuing the tile into an open shower makes a small room feel larger, and shower tiles bring out the warm, natural tones of the floor.
04 of 20
CHELIUS HOUSE OF DESIGN
For lovers of the boho style, an all-white bathroom is the perfect backdrop to let your personality shine through. This design mixes two different shapes of tile in the same color to play patterns against the wall and floor, while blending boho elements in a modern way. A pendant light matches tones to the window shade, wood vanity, and picture frame to carry warm colors throughout the room, and soft textures in the towels add to the natural vibe.
05 of 20
CATHIE HONG INTERIORS
If your space is needing that extra "oomph," don't hold back when choosing floor tiles. These oversized tiles create a large star shape across the floor, perfectly matching lines to widen the space as the pattern comes together. For those who aren't a fan of black floors, opt for a large maximalist tile in a color that matches other accents in your room.
06 of 20
SARAH FULTZ INTERIORS
The patterns in these floors are anything but minimal, but paired with the rest of the room, it adds just enough visual interest to keep things sleek without feeling bare.
A soft wood vanity leads up to white countertops, complemented by a wide wall-to-wall mirror to reflect natural light. To get the fresh plant look without the maintenance, style your space with faux leaves in a classic vase.
07 of 20
HOUSE 9
This timeless pattern has been around for generations, but it never goes out of style. Go for a natural finish with checkered floors by opting for stone tiles, and paint the walls with a unique color to add vibrance. Finish the space with a woven basket for an inviting feeling, and incorporate polished metal hardware to offset the softer stone textures.
08 of 20
AMY BARTLAM
It might seem backward to use exterior flooring on the inside of your bathroom, but this space makes a serious case for brick tile. The textures of brick add plenty of depth to the room, while its natural color brings warmth to the white space. Rather than opting for actual bricks in your washroom, opt for designer tiles that have a cleaner finish and don't absorb water.
09 of 20
JK INTERIOR LIVING
This elegant bathroom is anything but simple. White-tiled floors blend with neutral walls, setting the stage for a darker vanity with marbled countertops. Adding fresh flowers brings a lively touch to the space while using soft colors to create a focal point below the mirror.
10 of 20
MICHELLE BERWICK
When you can't get enough of tile, why not extend it up the wall? This bathroom features both mid-century vibes and modern décor, all while keeping the color palette neutral. A simple round mirror and black plumbing hardware stand out against the tiled wall, while a monochrome painting adds balance to the minimalist space.
11 of 20
AMY BARTLAM
For an airy vibe with a boho feeling, start with an all-white bathroom. Add tile with elements of white and another statement color, then mix in boho décor like woven shades and wooden accents. In this bathroom, black window panes add contrast to the room while glass shower doors allow light to shine through both sides of the space.
12 of 20
ERIN WILLIAMSON DESIGN
In this beautifully-styled bathroom, a copper clawfoot tub saves space and makes a strong statement. It's paired with white subway tile walls and minimal black accents, which create the perfect background for this stellar-starred floor tile. Polished metal hardware brings a modern texture to the clean space.
13 of 20
JK INTERIOR LIVING
Rather than repeating patterns across the entire floor, keep it simple by drawing a pattern around the room that frames your space. This bathroom incorporates small white tiles to add plenty of texture to the flooring and match the walls, while using darker tiles to make a square along the edges. Window frames are painted the same shade as accent tiles with minimal dark décor to tie the space together.
14 of 20
ERIN WILLIAMSON
In small spaces, it's usually recommended to stay away from dark colors—but flooring is an exception. In this bathroom, black hexagon tiles with white grout add a bold element to the room, while white walls keep the feeling bright.
Natural wood cabinets on the vanity are paired with a sleek white countertop for an upgraded mid-century modern vibe.
15 of 20
CATHIE HONG INTERIORS
There's nothing like a busily-patterned floor to add personality to a simple white bathroom. With natural décor, this design brings plenty of vibrance to the space without sacrificing its minimal style. White bath towels and a subway-tiled shower add texture while blending into the bright and airy room.
16 of 20
MICHELLE BERWICK
This tile is like no other: Covering most of the surface with grout, it highlights black glass squares placed in a repetitive pattern. This stained glass-inspired flooring is as unique as it is attractive. With modern fixtures and a walk-in marbled shower, we could spend hours getting ready in this dreamy room.
17 of 20
LECLAIR DECOR
If you're a fan of the wood look but don't want to sacrifice the waterproofing necessity of bathroom flooring, opt for a wood tile.
This bathroom uses warm accents like a wooden vanity to complement its floors, while contrasting the space with darker decorations. A black-painted door, black light fixtures, and black hardware stand out against the mix of natural and white elements.
18 of 20
REBECCA ROLLINS
Plant lovers can agree that the more floral aspects a space has, the more it feels like home. This bathroom is designed with floral-tiled floors in a bright white shade to complement its airy feel. Minimal décor with a black-framed round mirror and cabinet hardware tie in the room's accent tones to the flooring.
19 of 20
JK INTERIOR LIVING
The more, the merrier. This bathroom pairs two different styles of tile together between the flooring and shower for a mix-and-matched look. By using the same color, the two contrasting styles effortlessly blend together.
20 of 20
SARAH FULTZ INTERIORS
If your shower already boasts some extravagant tile work, keep it simple on the floors by sticking to a sleek white style.
This space uses hexagon tiles with a marbled look for an extra-reflective finish that makes the room shine. Pair contrasting elements with natural tones like this wood vanity to blend the design together.
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Residential Complex "Rublevsky Lights"
Tatiana Dmitrieva
Source of inspiration for home comfort: a small bathroom in a modern style with flat facades, brown facades, a fully built-in bathtub, a shower over bathtub, installation, beige walls, solid sink, open shower, white tile, mosaic tile, shower stall, gray floor, white countertop and backsplash
Townhouse by the Bay
Maxim Maximov
Design ideas for a rustic small master en-suite with flat-paneled cabinets, beige cabinets, alcove tub, installation, porcelain stoneware tile, gray walls, porcelain stoneware flooring, countertop sink, wood, open shower, beige worktop, cabinet for two sinks and floor cabinet
PHOTO/Cozy bright apartment 76 m² for a young family with a child
Kazantseva Tatiana
Photo of a small master bathroom in modern wood finishes in white with flat cabinets, yellow cabinets, alcove tub, installation, white tiles, ceramic tiles, gray walls, porcelain stoneware floors, multi-faucet sink, countertop made of artificial stone, black floor, white countertop, niche, two-sink cabinet and built-in cabinet
Apartment in the historical center of petersburg
oneione interiors
Children's bathroom - a bold positive interior that stands out against the background of other rooms with bright colors.
We covered one of the bathroom walls with an author's eight-bit print from the German art studio E-boy. In the composition with the washbasin, we made a storage cabinet with a front made of bright yellow glass. On one of the walls, we have preserved a fragment of the original brickwork, the relief of which is illuminated by warm illumination.
Apartment in the old fund of Moscow "Vershina"
Nata Volkova
Stylish design: small classic gray and white bathroom with raised infill cabinets, white cabinets, shower room, gray tiles, hog tile, gray walls, porcelain stoneware flooring, walk-in shower, vanity top, sliding door shower, window, vanity cabinet and floor cabinet - the latest trend
Apartment 37 sq. m Dubninskaya st., Moscow
Anna Malyutina
Design idea: a small modern style bathroom with a corner shower, installation, gray tiles, porcelain tiles, gray walls, porcelain stoneware floors, a shower cabin, faux stone countertops, brown floors , shower with sliding doors, hygienic shower and hanging cabinet
Interior MUA
INT2architecture
Pictured: small scandinavian style bathroom with alcove shower, gray tiles, ceramic tiles, gray walls, porcelain stoneware flooring, walk-in shower, countertop sink, wood countertops, gray floor, bathroom screen, brown countertop, single sink cabinet, floor cabinet, flat fronts and dark wood fronts c
Loft in stalinka
Tatiana Nikitina Photography
Design project: Semyon Chechulin Style: Natalia Oreshkova
Inspiration for home comfort: small loft-style bathroom with flat cabinets, medium wood cabinets, alcove shower, beige tiles, porcelain tiles, beige walls, porcelain stoneware floors, walk-in shower, overhead sink, wooden worktop, beige floor, shower with hinged doors, brown worktop, cabinet for one sink and floor cabinet
Apartment in 1st Vrazhsky Lane
Architectural workshop of Martynov and Gatilova
Honeycomb-shaped tiles were chosen in the bathroom, seams were contrasted.
The only color detail was the wooden countertop under the sink, for durability it was covered with 5 layers of varnish. In the shower cabin, given the absence of a bathtub, we tried to create maximum comfort: built-in acoustics, hydromassage jets and a seat for relaxing. The moldings on the walls seem to be the same as in the rooms - but here they are made of acrylic stone. nine0007
Emerald and Brass Project
CODIA
Pictured: small bathroom in white with wood finishes in contemporary style with ceramic tile flooring, flat cabinets, white cabinets, corner shower, installation, colorful tiles, tiles mosaic, white floor, alcove and hanging vanity with
Apartment rented in one day: bathroom
Legko.com
Design idea: small classic bathroom with washing machine, flat cabinets, dark wood cabinets , white tile, hog tile, yellow walls, countertop sink, multicolor flooring, white countertop, single vanity unit and built-in vanity unit
Vibrant studio in Krasnaya Polyana
Vlad Feoktistov
Bathroom
Pictured: a small modern bathroom with shuttered panel fronts, white fronts, corner shower, beige tiles, porcelain tiles, beige walls, walk-in shower
Dynamo Apartment
Yuliya Telnova
full bathtub, installation, gray tile, porcelain tile, gray walls, porcelain stoneware floor, countertop sink, wood countertop, gray floor, brown countertop, single vanity unit and hanging vanity unit - great interior photo
Airy and light apartment
inter-decore.
com
Black metal profiles in tiles and walls give originality and graphics. We thought for a long time how to divide the two bathrooms according to their purpose. And they decided instead of the traditional division into the master bathroom and the guest bathroom as follows: the boys' bathroom - for dad and son, and the girls' bathroom - for mom and daughter. To your attention - the Girls' bathroom. White chevrons were made behind the sink. The color of the rest of the walls was matched to the color of the porcelain stoneware chosen for wall cladding behind the bathroom, and above 240 cm they were painted in a pleasant gray color. The bright ceiling light can be turned off, leaving only intimate lighting in the ceiling above the bath. nine0007
Astra EZhK
CHEF Design
Homey inspiration: Small Scandinavian-style master bathroom with flat cabinets, gray cabinets, overhead bathtub, installation, colorful tiles, ceramic tiles, gray walls, porcelain stoneware floors , countertop washbasin, faux stone countertop, gray floor, swing door shower, gray countertop, single vanity unit, wall-hung vanity unit and splashback
Cozy studio 30m2 LCD Main House for a student
AGinterior.
ru
A small bathroom of 6.5 m2 contained everything you need for a comfortable life, including the utility block.
Inspiration for home comfort: a small modern bathroom with white facades, mirror tiles, green walls, a shower cabin, a shower with hinged doors and a hanging cabinet Modern style master en-suite with flat-panelled cabinets, white cabinets, alcove shower, installation, green tiles, ceramic tile, green walls, porcelain stoneware flooring, recessed sink, faux stone countertops, gray flooring, sliding door shower, gray countertops , vanity cabinet, floor cabinet and wooden ceiling - the latest trend
Holiday Home in Crimea
Kamila Kovalevskaya
Fresh design idea: small bathroom with modern style washing machine, recessed shower, green tiles, porcelain stoneware tiles, green walls, porcelain stoneware flooring, walk-in shower, wood countertop, beige floor, swing door shower, brown countertop, single vanity unit, hanging vanity unit, ceiling beams, wall paper, exposed cabinets, dark wood cabinets and countertop sink - great interior photo
Residential complex Dom u Nevsky
Olga Chernina - interior design
Shower room
A source of inspiration for home comfort: a small bathroom in a modern style with flat facades, white facades, ceramic tiles, a shower cabin, a countertop sink, a vanity unit , hanging cabinet, white tiles, white walls and white table top
Raspberry Sorbet
Anastasia Ufimtseva
Bathroom.
Stylish design: small contemporary style master bathroom with white cabinets, multi-coloured tile, ceramic tile, multi-coloured walls, white countertops, single vanity unit, recessed infill cabinets, alcove bathtub, walk-in shower, solid washbasin and shower screen bathroom - latest trend
Design options for a small bathroom with tiles, 40 photos. Beautiful interiors and design
Well, modern bathroom tiles are definitely not boring. And even the question arises: what is its main function - in protection from moisture or in bringing pleasure to the owners of the house with its appearance? Different colors and patterns, sizes and even materials - the choice of bathroom tiles is huge!
Marble and wood tiles in a small bathroom
Do you have a small bathroom in Khrushchev? We will show you some tricky tricks on how to not only arrange everything you need in a small bathroom, but also visually enlarge it. Some ideas do not even require special retooling efforts and cash costs.
In addition, you will find photos of modern bathroom tiles in a variety of styles and colors for small bathrooms.
Bathroom interior in Khrushchev with gray mosaic tiles
Contrasting small bathroom with matte black tiles
Tiling tips for small bathrooms
Gray bathroom mosaic tiles
Light. Perhaps the most important factor to consider when designing small spaces. Glossy tiles reflect light; in addition, the glossy surface is easier to care for. The glass door of the shower cabin and the mirror “deceive” the eye and confuse a person: at first glance, one cannot understand where the room begins and ends. A large catalog of bathroom tiles of various styles and from many manufacturers can be viewed here. nine0003
Bright glossy bathroom mosaic tile
Calm beige tile for small bathroom
Light-colored tiles are best for small bathroom walls. However, it should be borne in mind that white tiles in a small, poorly lit room look gray and leave a not very pleasant impression.
Natural color accents will add coziness. Bright towels, a rug, as well as beautiful plants will help you with this.
Color accents for a small bathroom
Brown bathroom tiles
Colored textiles transform the bathroom without major expenses
What kind of tiles to cover a small bathroom? There is no need to limit yourself to single color tiles. Vertical lines and irregular details visually enlarge the room. Sharp contrasts should be avoided and proceed from the characteristics of a particular room. The appearance of long and narrow rooms will be enhanced by subtle elongated details and patterns. For square bathrooms, kink rooms or rooms with many corners, patterned tiles should be avoided. Instead, you can separate the floor from the walls with tiles in a darker color, such as grey. Use every available niche: hang a wardrobe in it or place open shelves. nine0003
Vertical strips of bathroom tiles
Tiles for bathroom with a floral pattern
Beige walls and blue tiles in a small bathroom
9000Tiles for a bathroom 9000 9000 9000 9000
And many more pictures of small bathroom tiles
Warm bathroom tiles
Create an oasis of peace and security in your bathroom.
